Adults

Couples and Singles, 30s-50s. Bruner Building, 221.

Bible-based discussion studies are led by volunteers from within the class. Social, family, and mission activities are an important part of this class. They are a mission-oriented class that builds relationships through service, and they have occasional social outings.

Not a regular Sunday school class. Open to everyone. Bruner Building, Chapel.

Superb biblical teaching by Dr. David Shields, a distinguished USC professor. Relaxed lectures on the Bible from historical, theological, and spiritual perspectives. Each session stands alone.

Couples, 40s. Knox Building, 205.

Studies focus on applying scripture to contemporary living. Lessons are usually facilitated by class members and come from a variety of study books that everyone reads. Sharing family life and service projects is important to this active group.

Couples, 30s-early 40s. Knox Building, 208.

Offers opportunities to meet and grow together as couples and followers of Jesus Christ. Bible study around everyday concerns facing young couples today: marriage, raising a family, living as Christians in the workplace, etc. Members volunteer to facilitate and a team of regular guest teachers often lead. They stay in touch through email and many social activities. The class volunteers at Epworth Children’s Home.

Couples, late 40s-60s. Knox Building, 214.

Large class that thrives on lively, open-minded discussions and lectures on contemporary issues and short-term topics. Members are supportive in all areas of church life. Social events include a party at Christmas and in the spring. A weekly class email keeps members connected with prayer concerns and class news.

Couples and Singles, 70s+. Knox Building, 209.

Large class with a warm, friendly atmosphere. They use the Adult Bible Studies curriculum led by a team of class members. Class members regularly participate in mission work including visiting shut-ins and providing food for the Family Shelter. They have once-a-month dinners and other social events, and have a weekly email.

Couples and Singles, late 30s-40s. Knox Building, 201.

Many in the class want to learn by facilitating lessons from the Bible or often a DVD-based study. It’s comfortable for either spouse to come alone, when the other can’t. This circle of friends surrounds each other in good and hard times, as they grow together in faith. Fun is high priority and often includes their young children. The class also makes time for a variety of service projects.

Young Couples, 30s. Bruner Building, 223.

Focuses on being disciples of Christ through Bible-based studies with relevant messages for life today, service to others, and supporting each other through a strong fellowship community. The class has an ongoing partnership with a boys cottage at Epworth Children’s Home and is committed to hands-on service and relationships with those boys.

70s-80s. Bruner Building, 220.

Putting Jesus first, Others second, and Yourself last is the foundation for this class of mostly “older” professional men and women who strive to exemplify their name. Dr. Harvey Allen, their long-time teacher, teaches toward this goal. They financially support many local charitable organizations. They enjoy Christmas, Fall and Spring social activities. A large class of over 160 members who stay connected with a weekly email of news of celebrations, prayer concerns and a synopsis of the Sunday school lesson.

Couples and Singles, 40s-80s. Bruner Building, 224.

A Reconciling Ministries Class that welcomes and celebrates human differences such as sexual orientation, socioeconomic condition, and spiritual journey. Varied life experiences include civil rights initiatives, military service, community and international work and travel. They often explore early Christian thought, contemporary Christianity and ethical teachings, and current events/social concerns as they occur. The class provides financial support for many church and community ministries. They also enjoy time together on outings and meals, and Christmas Brunch is a much-anticipated yearly event.

Couples and Singles, Mid-20s to Mid-30s. Bruner Building, 216.

Offers young adults and young professionals the opportunity to foster Christian friendships and relationships. With peer- and guest-led, discussion-based lessons on current events and biblical topics, Path Finders allows participants to deepen their personal relationship with Christ through the study of scripture. Through service in the community as well as social activities, Path Finders creates opportunities to live out Christian discipleship and deepen relationships with one another.

Couples and Singles, All Ages. Bruner Building, Parlor.

Applies biblical principles through group discussions and open conversations regarding current events and timely topics. Class members choose the topics and rely on discussion as the foundation for lessons. This group is open to different perspectives and is interested in discussion that considers opposing views. Differences of opinion are welcome.

Couples and Singles, 65+. Bruner Building, Wesley Hall.

Knows the long history of Shandon, through experience. They are a warm group of men and women who care for one another and the congregation. A team of rotating guest teachers gives lectures from the Adult Bible Studies curriculum. They enjoy fellowship, cake and coffee before class.

Through warm fellowship, spiritual growth and dedicated service, women of all ages are invited to grow in Christ, support each other, and care for others through local and global missions. The Shandon UMW is composed of close to 150 women of all ages with four Circles plus a Youth Circle that meet regularly during the school year. During the year, there are four general membership meetings, two in the evening with supper and two are at lunchtime. They also sponsor an annual Garage Sale that has become a shopping staple in the Columbia community and a successful fundraiser for local non-profit organizations. New members are always welcome.

UMW Circles

• Augusta Beckman Circle: Monthly meetings on the first Monday after the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in member homes or at the church.
• Mary Campbell Circle: Monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at member homes or at the church.
• Ola B. Taylor Circle: Monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. at the church.
• Susanna Wesley Circle: Monthly meetings on the second week of the month at 6:30 p.m. in member homes or at the church.
• Daughters of Esther (youth 9th grade and up): Monthly meetings on the first Sunday of the month from 12:00-1:30 p.m.

Men of all ages gather together to be in fellowship, share meals, play and be active, dig into study, and serve. They get together monthly for a hearty breakfast, a centered time of prayer for families, the community and world, and fellowship. The group also strengthens their faith through studies, enjoys man nights with outings like ballgames and barbecue, attends an annual men’s retreat, and they’re active in community service. For more information contact Rev. James Grubb at jgrubb@shandon-umc.org.

Enjoying and sharing life together… Adults 65+. Focused on providing fun and fellowship activities. Day trips to locations such as Asheville and Hendersonville, NC, and Charleston, SC with activities like apple picking, shopping, dining at quaint local eateries and touring attractions. Fun and fellowship on the church campus through Trivia Nights, Greening our Faith, seasonal parties, and more. Monthly lunch adventures at local restaurants as well as dates for Koger Broadway shows, concerts, local theater productions and attractions throughout the Midlands. For more information contact Susan Curran, Director of Older Adult Ministries, at scurran@shandon-umc.org.

Share a love for literature. If you enjoy interesting conversation and sharing viewpoints, the stories and characters in books always provide great subject matter and stretch your thinking about all kinds of subjects that affect our lives and faith. The books are in a broad range and chosen six months out at Book Club regular meetings. The SUMC Book Club meets on the third

Wednesday of each month from 5:30-6:30 p.m. To be on the mailing list, contact Anne Cox at anne41450@aol.com.